Agricultural product delivery applicator with a pneumatic conveying system having a distributor assembly

ABSTRACT

An agricultural product delivery applicator for delivering particulate product to a field. The applicator includes a supply compartment to hold the product and a pneumatic conveying system. The system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the supply compartment. The delivery line includes a supply line and a plurality of distribution lines. The system further includes a distributor coupling the supply line with the plurality of distribution lines, a plurality of distributor outlets providing outlet channels for the distributor, and a motor mount disposed away from the aperture along an axis and supported by one or more of the plurality of distributor outlets. A motor is disposed on a delivery lines side of the distributor and fastened to the motor mount.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an agricultural product deliverysystem for applying particulate material such as seed, fertilizer,herbicide, or insecticide to a field, and more particularly anagricultural product delivery applicator with a pneumatic conveyingsystem having a distributor assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agricultural product delivery applicators (or systems) are known toutilize various mechanisms, including mechanical and pneumatic systems,to assist in the movement and delivery of particulate material orproduct. Example product that can be delivered include fertilizer, seed,insecticide, or herbicide. The product can move from a product binthrough an interior passage provided by a series of elongate tubes,which extend from the product supply chamber to a product applicator.The applicator places the product on or in growing medium, such as soil.Such agricultural product delivery systems are commonly employed inplanters, air drills, fertilizer and pesticide applicators, and avariety of other agricultural implements.

Agricultural application implements that employ an agricultural productdelivery applicator are known to have the product supply bin associatedwith a metering system. The product is metered from the bin into a setof distribution channels for application to the soil. A pneumaticsource, such as a fan or blower, provides air to convey and distributeproduct through the distribution channels. Once the metering of productis done and the mix of air and particulates is in the distributionchannels, the product should remain nearly constant and in a dilutedphase.

One of the challenges with pneumatic delivery of product is the volumeof product that can be spread. When increasing the pressure to move moreproduct, and to move it further, product tends to cling to tube walls.Prior systems, such as disclosed in US Patent Application PublicationNo. 2018/0343792 A1, the content of which is incorporated herein byreference, disclose a pneumatic conveying system having a horizontalrotary product distributor. The rotary distributor includes a motor anda rotating shaft to divert the particulate material relatively evenlybetween the delivery nozzles. However, an even further improvedapparatus for lifting product off the tube wall and churning the productin order to distribute the product among multiple tubes is desired.Also, an improved means for mounting the motor that moves the agitationarm is desired. Further, an improved means for distributing the productfrom one tube to multiple tubes is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

in one aspect, the invention provides an agricultural product deliveryapplicator for delivering particulate product to a field. The applicatorincludes a supply compartment to hold the product, and a pneumaticconveying system. The pneumatic conveying system includes an airflowsource to provide an airflow, a delivery line operably connected to theairflow source and to the supply compartment, and a distributor. Thedelivery line includes a supply line and a plurality of distributionlines. The pneumatic conveying system further includes a distributorcoupling the supply line with the plurality of distribution lines, aplurality of distributor outlets providing outlet channels for thedistributor, and a motor mount disposed away from the aperture along anaxis and supported by one or more of the plurality of distributoroutlets. Each one of the plurality of distributor outlets is coupled toa respective one of the plurality of distribution lines. The pneumaticconveying system also includes a motor disposed on a delivery lines sideof the distributor and fastened to the motor mount, and a shaft assemblyrotatable by the motor and including an agitator portion substantiallydisposed on a supply line side of the distributor. The shaft assemblyextends through the aperture of the distributor. The applicator furtherincludes a metering system operably connected between the supplycompartment and the pneumatic conveying system. The metering systemmeters product with the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow andproduct.

In another aspect, the invention provides an agricultural productdelivery applicator for delivering particulate product to a field. Theapplicator includes a supply compartment to hold the product, and apneumatic conveying system. The pneumatic conveying system includes anairflow source to provide an airflow, a delivery line operably connectedto the airflow source and to the supply compartment, and a distributorcoupling the supply line with the plurality of distribution lines. Thedelivery line includes a supply line and a plurality of distributionlines. The distributor including a plurality of wedged-shaped spokesdefining in part a plurality of outlet channels. The pneumatic conveyingsystem further includes a motor disposed on a distribution lines side ofthe distributor, and a shaft assembly rotatable by the motor andincluding an agitator portion substantially disposed on a supply lineside of the distributor. The shaft assembly extends through an apertureof the distributor. The applicator further includes a metering systemoperably connected between the supply compartment and the pneumaticconveying system. The metering system meters product with the airflow toresult in a mixed flow of airflow and product.

Numerous additional objects, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will be made apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken together with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a isometric view of an agricultural application implementhaving a pneumatic conveying system according to one exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially broken away isometric view of a portion of thepneumatic conveying system of the implement of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a partially broken away isometric view of a second portion ofthe pneumatic conveying system of the implement of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a rotary distributor assembly of thepneumatic conveying system of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a distributor, housing, and outletchannels of the rotary distributor assembly of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a partially broken away isometric view of a portion of therotary distributor assembly of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the rotary distributor assembly ofFIG. 4 ;

FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of a second rotary distributorassembly of the pneumatic conveying system of FIG. 2 ; and

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of a third rotary distributor assemblyof the pneumatic conveying system of FIG. 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An agricultural application implement 10 (or simply implement 10)incorporating aspects of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 . In theexemplary embodiment shown, the implement 10 includes an agriculturalproduct delivery applicator 15 (or simply applicator 15), which is shownas a granular fertilizer applicator. As is known in the art, theimplement 10 generally includes a transport unit 20, such as a truck,tractor, or trailer. The transport unit 20 can be formed integrally withor separately from the applicator 15. The applicator 15 includes apneumatic conveying system 25 (or simply system 25).

The applicator 15 includes left and right laterally extending booms 30and 35, respectively, extending at a mid-implement location 40. Left andright are referred to herein as viewed by the operator housed in theoperator cab 45. The mid-implement location 40 refers to a mounting ofthe booms 30 and 35 between the front and rear axles 50 and 55,respectively, of the transport unit 20. The laterally extending booms 30and 35 include a support structure (not shown for simplicity) and can bepivoted to a stowed position close to the implement 10 for storage ortransport. Each boom 30 and 35 includes a plurality of boom conduits ortubes (discussed further below) terminating at respective outboard endsin in the applicator 15. The outboard ends of the booms 30 and 35include a spreading outlet or nozzle. In the exemplary embodiment shown,boom 35 includes twelve outlets 60.

The pneumatic conveying system 25 also includes a laterally extendingoffset boom 80. The offset boom 80, which may also be referred to as asecondary boom, is mounted at a rearward location 85. The rearwardlocation 85 refers to a mount of the offset boom 80 behind the rear axis55. The offset boom includes six rear outlets 90. The offset boom 80 incombination with the booms 30 and 35 provide complete coverage acrossthe width of applicator 15.

The shown transport unit 20 is self-propelled by an engine in an enginecompartment 100 and includes the operator cab 45. For the shownconstruction, an uncovered tank 105 includes compartments 110 and 115for carrying particulate material to be distributed to and disbursed bythe outlets 60 and 90. One of the compartments, e.g., compartment 115,can be provided to supply micro-nutrients or other materials. The supplyof particulate material in compartments 110 and 115 can be replenishedperiodically.

Before proceeding, some aspects of the applicator 15 can be a matter ofdesign choice to someone skilled in the art. For example, the number,arrangement, and design of the compartments 110 and 115 and outlets 60and 90 can vary. The applicator 15 is illustrative of the types ofequipment on which the pneumatic conveying system 100 can be used;however, it should be understood that the pneumatic conveying system 100may, of course, be employed in conjunction with other agriculturalequipment such as tillage, seeding, or planting devices and is useful indistributing particulate material other than fertilizer.

The shown construction includes compartments 110 and 115 of the tank 105being disposed above portions of the pneumatic conveying system 25. FIG.2 shows a portion of the system 25 delivering to the right laterallyextending boom 35. A portion of the pneumatic conveying system 25delivering to the left laterally extending boom 30 is similar to, butsymmetrically opposite from, the portion shown in FIG. 2 , andconsequently is not shown in detail. FIG. 3 shows a portion of thepneumatic conveying system 25 delivering to the offset boom 80 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the system 25 includes deliverylines 120, 125, and 127 that extend from a plenum 130 and 135 at oneend, and terminate at the outlets 60 and 90 at the other end. Throughthe delivery lines 120, 125, or 127, the fluid and the product aretransported therein and are to be split by a distributor assembly 140,145, or 147. The distributor assembly 140, 145, or 147 divides ordistributes a fluid-particulate combination from a supply line 150, 155,or 157 into a number of smaller distribution lines 160, 1165, or 167that are connected to the outlets 60 and 90.

To collect and drive the particulate material along the delivery lines120, 125 and 127, are one or more pressurized air flow sources. For theshown construction, blowers 170 and 175 are operably connected to theplenums 130 and 135. The air flow from the blowers 160 and 165 isdirected from the blowers 160 and 165 into the plenums 130 and 135, thenthe supply lines 150, 155, and 157, through the distributor assemblies140, 145, and 147, into the distribution lines 160, 165, and 167, andout the outlets 60 and 90. As the airflow passes through the supplylines 150, 155, and 157, a metering system 180 (FIG. 1 ) entrainsproduct from the compartments 1:10 and/or 115 into the airflow. Theairflow and entrained product continues to flow along the delivery lines120, 125, and 127 to the outlets 60 and 90.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , an exemplary construction of the distributorassembly 140 is illustrated. The supply line 157 (FIG. 3 ) is connectedto one end 190 of the distributor assembly 140 and the distributionlines 160 are each connected to the opposite end 200 of the distributorassembly 140. The generally tubular-shaped housing 205 is oriented in anin-line position with regard to the supply line 150, such that thehousing 205 for the distributor assembly 140 is positioned generallyhorizontal on the boom 30. The generally tubular-shaped housings 210 areoriented in an in-line position with regard to the distribution lines160.

The distributor assembly 140, as shown in FIG. 4 , includes a forwardsection 215 and a rearward section 220. The forward section 215 includesan elongate portion 225 of the housing 205 that is engaged with the endof the supply line 150 in order to affix the housing 205 to the supplyline 150 in a suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, theelongate portion 225 has an inner diameter greater than that of thesupply line 150 such that the supply line 150 can be inserted within theelongate portion 225 and secured thereto, e.g., with a clamp 227. Thehousings 210 includes elongated portions 230, which engage with the endof the distributor lines 190 in order to affix the housings 210 to thedistributor lines 160 (FIG. 2 ) in a suitable manner; e.g., with clamps.

Opposite the supply line 150, the elongate portion 225 is connected toor integrally formed with a conical portion 235. The conical portion 235expands radially outwardly from the elongate portion 225 to allow theparticulate material entering the conical portion 235 from the elongateportion 225 to move radially outwardly from the center axis A-A of thehousing 205. The conical portion 235 is connected to the distributor240, such as by fasteners 280 engaged within aligned holes in alignedradial flange 250 formed by the distributor 240.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , the housings 210 are coupled to thedistributor 240 and provide distributor outlets for the distributor. Inthe shown construction, the housings are fastened by tabs 252 andinserts 253. However, in other constructions, the housings 210 can beintegrally formed with the distributor 240. The housings 210 surroundoutlet channels 255. The housings 210 are spaced from one another on therearward section 220 and extend outwardly at slight angles with regardto the center axis A-A.

The housings 210 surround a space 260 outside the exterior of thedistributor 240 in the rearward section 230. A motor 262 (FIG. 4 ) isdisposed in the space 260.

In the shown construction, each elongated portion 230 includes arespective motor attachment, which is shown as a mount, and morespecifically a mounting flange 265. While each elongated portion 230includes the mounting flange 265, not all of the mounting flanges 265are necessary. Each mount also include one or more respective fins 270(two are shown) for providing stability and support to the mountingflanges 265. The motor 262 can be mounted directly to the mountingflanges 265 such as by fasteners 280 (FIG. 7 ) engaged within alignedholes 275 in aligned mounting flanges 265. Additionally and as discussedin more detail below, a mounting plate 285 (FIG. 4 ) can be utilizedin-between the motor 262 and the mounting flanges 265 with the fasteners280 being further disposed through align holes 290 (FIG. 7 ) of themounting plate 285. The distributor assembly 140 agitates and churns theproduct to disburse it evenly throughout the cross section of the largersupply tube. The product is then fed into the distributor 240 for equaldisbursement into six smaller tubes. The smaller tubes, i.e., thedistributions lines 160, carry the product down the length of the rightlaterally extending boom 30 to the outlets 60 for release from the boom30 to the ground.

The motor 262 can be an electric motor, hydraulic motor, or othersuitable type of motor. The motor 262, as shown in FIG. 6 , includes ashaft assembly 295 (or simply “shaft” 295) having a motor shaft 300, anagitator shaft 305, and a coupler 310 coupling the motor shaft 300 andthe auger shaft 305. The shaft 295 extends through a central aperture315 of the mounting plate 285, a central aperture 320 (FIG. 5 ) of thedistributor 240, and a central aperture of a deflector (discussedfurther below). The shaft 295 is aligned with the center axis A-A. Anend 330 of the shaft 295 is received by a bearing secured to the housing205 (FIG. 4 ). The shown bearing is a hanger bearing 335 having anarcuate portion 340, a spoke portion 345 extending from the arcuateportion 340, and a bearing portion 350 at the end of the spoke portion345. Other constructions for the hanger bearing 335 are envisioned. Forexample, the spoke portion 345 can include a plurality of spokes, thearcuate portion 340 can consist up to a full circle, and the bearingportion 350 can include an aperture for the shaft to extend through. Theshown bearing portion 350 includes a cone end to promote flow around thebearing portion 350. The hanger bearing 335 can be a cast part. Thearcuate portion 340 can be secured to the housing 205 or integrated withthe housing 205. The shown hanger bearing 335 is secured to the housingwith fasteners 352.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the deflector 355 is attached to thedistributor 240 by fasteners extending through the distributor 240 andinto bores 360 of the deflector. The shown deflector 355 consists of twohalves fastened together. The deflector includes the central aperture365 for the shaft 295 to extend and rotate through. The deflector 355can include a bearing for helping to support rotational movement of theshaft 295. In some constructions, the deflector 355 can be integrallyformed with the distributor 240. The deflector 355 includes a conicalportion 370 and a scallop portion 375. The conical portion 370 expandsradially outwardly from the shaft 295 to help guide the particulatematerial away from the center axis A-A. The scallop portion 375 includesa scallop edge 380 that transitions from the conical portion to anon-conical or differing conical portion. The scallop edge 380 includesa plurality of arcuate shaped scallops. The number of arcuate shapedscallops correspond to the number of channels 255 in the distributor240. The shown deflector 355 is stationary and has the scallop edge 380and the scallops for transitioning product from the conical portion 235to the channels 255.

For the shown construction, the distributor 240 includes the outerflange 250 (or rim), an inner hub 390 having the aperture 320 (FIG. 5 ),and spokes 395 coupling the outer flange 250 to the inner hub 390. Thespokes 395 provide the start of the channels 255, and are in the shapeof a wedge having an edge 400.

The agitator shaft 305 supports a number of agitators 405 thereon, wherethe agitators 405 are spaced along the agitator shaft 305 at differentdistances from the deflector 355 and at different angular positions onthe agitator shaft 305. For the shown construction, the agitators arepaddles 410 with staggered, helical rods 415 on a short-line version.However, other arrangements are possible, including arrangements asshown in US Patent Application Publication No. 20180343792 A1.

During use, product tends to cling to the inner wall of the housing 205as pressure increases. The product should come off of the inner wall andinto the air stream. As the product is pushed through the housing 205,the agitator shaft 305 helps to lift the product off the wall and backinto the air stream. The agitator shaft 305 also chums or agitates theproduct for even disbursement into the distribution lines 160. Once intothe air stream, the spinning agitator shaft 305 disperses the product.The agitator shaft 305 also helps assure that an even amount of productenters each channel 255.

A short line version 140 and long line version 145 of the distributorassembly is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , respectively. The short lineversion 140 includes paddles 410 (or fins) for further promotingmovement of the product in the short line version 140. The paddles 410,if present, start the disbursement of the product. The helical rods 415help with dispersing the product appropriately into the multiple tubesat the appropriate weight for delivery.

The inclusion of the agitator shaft 305, deflector 355, and wedges 400allow for an increase in the volume of product that can flow through thepneumatic conveying system 25 (discussed above with FIG. 1 ). Increasingthe volume of product allows laterally extending booms 30 and 35 toincrease in length from 70 to 90 feet; i.e., 10 feet in each direction.

In various constructions, the shaft assemblies 295, and consequently themotors 262, are required to spin in opposing directions for the leftlaterally extending boom 30 from the right laterally extending boom 35.Due to pressure drops, specific ports are designated for specificdeflector locations on the laterally extending booms 30 or 35. Spinningin the opposing directions assures proper product disbursement to thecorrect ports on the distributor 240. The system uses two differenthydraulic motors 262 and 262A (FIGS. 7 and 9 ) that spin in opposingdirections. For one of the booms, motor rotation may be clockwise, whilemotor rotation may be counter clockwise for the other boom. It isenvisioned that the differing hydraulic motors 262 and 262A can beaccidently attached to the wrong arm. This can result in improperdistribution of particulate material.

For FIGS. 7 and 9 , to help assure that the proper motor 262 and 262A ismounted to the correct laterally extending boom 30 or 35, thedistributor assemblies 140 and 140A include mounting plates 285 and 285Ahaving different shapes and aperture patterns (e.g., differing alignholes 290 and 290A). Further, the left hand side is labeled with a firstindicia or indicium (e.g., LH) and the right hand side is labeled asecond, different indicia or indicium (e.g., RH). Moreover, it isenvisioned that different coloring systems can also be used. Forexample, if a “LH” plate 285A is mounted to the “RH” side of thelaterally extending boom 35, a brief inspection will indicate that themotor 262A has been mounted to the incorrect side of the boom.

Further for the shown constructions, a “LH” motor 262A cannot be mountedto a “RH” plate 285, and a “RH” motor 262 cannot be mounted to a “LH”plate 285A because the aperture configuration inhibits mounting thewrong motor. This may reduce errors in assembly and reduce potentialimproper particulate material distribution from errors in the assembly.Extending the above, indicium and color coordination can be used on allof the distributor 240 and 240A, mounting plate 285 and 285A, and motor262 and 262A. This allows assemblers to know which assembly goes onwhich side of the applicator 20; and it also provides “tells” forinspectors to readily detect an incorrect assembly of the components.

In operation, material is metered by the metering system 180 into thechannel of the supply line 150, 155, and 157. A fluid or airflow is alsoprovided to the supply line 150, 155, and 157 by the blowers 170 and175. The pneumatic conveying system 25 controls both the metering system180 and the airflow to result in a desired mixture. The mixture isdirected into the housing 205 of the distributor assembly 140, 145, and147. The motor 162 is operated to rotate the shaft assembly 295. Thespeed of the shaft 295 can be varied as desired by the system 25. Therotation of the shaft 295 causes the agitators 405 to rotate within thehousing 205, with the agitators 405 contacting the incoming particulatematerial. The contact of the agitators 405 with the particulate materialcauses the particulate material to be deflected into the channels 255 ofthe distribution lines 160, 165, and 167. The deflector 355, includingthe conical portion 370 and the scallop portion 375, assist withdeflecting the mixture into the channels 255. Upon entering the channels250, the particulate materials are directed into the distribution lines160, 165, and 167 for direction and dispensing by the outlets 60 and 90.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out thepresent invention is disclosed above, practice of the above invention isnot limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions,modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the presentinvention may be made without deviating from the spirit and the scope ofthe underlying inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. An agricultural product delivery applicator fordelivering particulate product to a field, the applicator comprising: asupply compartment to hold the product; a pneumatic conveying systemcomprising: an airflow source to provide an airflow; a delivery lineoperably connected to the airflow source and to the supply compartment,the delivery line including a supply line and a plurality ofdistribution lines; a distributor coupling the supply line with theplurality of distribution lines, the distributor having an aperture; aplurality of distributor outlets providing outlet channels for thedistributor, each one of the plurality of distributor outlets coupled toa respective one of the plurality of distribution lines; a motor mountdisposed away from the aperture along an axis and supported by one ormore of the plurality of distributor outlets; a motor disposed on adelivery lines side of the distributor and fastened to the motor mount;a shaft assembly rotatable by the motor and including an agitatorportion substantially disposed on a supply line side of the distributor,the shaft assembly extending through the aperture of the distributor;and a metering system operably connected between the supply compartmentand the pneumatic conveying system, the metering system to meter productwith the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow and product. 2.The applicator of claim 1, wherein the pneumatic conveying systemincludes a distributor assembly comprising the distributor, theplurality of distributor outlets, the motor mount, the motor, and theshaft assembly.
 3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofdistributor outlets is integrally formed with the distributor.
 4. Theapplicator of claim 1, wherein the motor mount is integrally formed withthe one or more of the plurality of distributor outlets.
 5. Theapplicator of claim 1, wherein the motor mount includes a support fin.6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the motor mount includes aplurality of mounting platforms, and wherein each one of the pluralityof mounting platforms is supported by a respective one of the pluralityof distribution lines.
 7. The applicator of claim 6, wherein at leasttwo of the plurality of mounting platforms include an aperture for afastener and at least one of the plurality of mounting platforms doesnot include an aperture for a fastener.
 8. The applicator of claim 1,wherein the distributor includes wedged-shaped spokes defining in partthe outlet channels.
 9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein thedistributor assembly further comprises a deflector on the supply lineside of the distributor.
 10. The applicator of claim 9, wherein thedeflector is fastened to the distributor and includes an aperture,wherein the shaft assembly extends through the aperture of thedistributor.
 11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the distributorassembly further comprises a mounting plate coupled to the motor mount,and wherein the motor is fastened to the motor mount via the mountingplate.
 12. An agricultural product delivery applicator for deliveringparticulate product to a field, the applicator comprising: a supplycompartment to hold the product; a pneumatic conveying systemcomprising: an airflow source to provide an airflow; a delivery lineoperably connected to the airflow source and to the supply compartment,the delivery line including a supply line and a plurality ofdistribution lines; a distributor coupling the supply line with theplurality of distribution lines, the distributor including a pluralityof wedged-shaped spokes defining in part a plurality of outlet channels;a motor mount disposed away from the aperture along an axis andsupported by one or more of the plurality of distributor outlets; amotor disposed on a distribution lines side of the distributor andfastened to the motor mount; a shaft assembly rotatable by the motor andincluding an agitator portion substantially disposed on a supply lineside of the distributor, the shaft assembly extending through anaperture of the distributor; and a metering system operably connectedbetween the supply compartment and the pneumatic conveying system, themetering system to meter product with the airflow to result in a mixedflow of airflow and product for the plurality of outlets.
 13. Theapplicator of claim 12, wherein the pneumatic conveying system includesa distributor assembly comprising the distributor, the motor, the motormount, and the shaft assembly.
 14. The applicator of claim 12, whereinthe plurality of distributor outlets is integrally formed with thedistributor.
 15. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the motor mount isintegrally formed with the one or more of the plurality of distributoroutlets.
 16. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the distributorassembly further comprises a deflector on the supply line side of thedistributor.
 17. The applicator of claim 16, wherein the deflector isfastened to the distributor and includes an aperture, wherein the shaftassembly extends through the aperture of the distributor.
 18. Theapplicator of claim 12, wherein the distributor assembly furthercomprises a mounting plate coupled to the motor mount, and wherein themotor is fastened to the mounter mount via the mounting plate.
 19. Anagricultural product delivery applicator for delivering particulateproduct to a field, the applicator comprising: a supply compartment tohold the product; a pneumatic conveying system comprising: an airflowsource to provide an airflow; a delivery line operably connected to theairflow source and to the supply compartment, the delivery lineincluding a supply line and a plurality of distribution lines; adistributor coupling the supply line with the plurality of distributionlines, the distributor having an aperture, the distributor including aplurality of wedged-shaped spokes defining in part a plurality of outletchannels; a plurality of distributor outlets providing outlet channelsfor the distributor, each one of the plurality of distributor outletscoupled to a respective one of the plurality of distribution lines; amotor mount disposed away from the aperture along an axis and supportedby one or more of the plurality of distributor outlets; a motor disposedon a delivery lines side of the distributor and fastened to the motormount; a shaft assembly rotatable by the motor and including an agitatorportion substantially disposed on a supply line side of the distributor,the shaft assembly extending through the aperture of the distributor;and a metering system operably connected between the supply compartmentand the pneumatic conveying system, the metering system to meter productwith the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow and product. 20.The applicator of claim 19, wherein the motor mount includes a pluralityof mounting platforms, wherein each one of the plurality of mountingplatforms is supported by a respective one of the plurality ofdistribution lines, and wherein at least two of the plurality ofmounting platforms include an aperture for a fastener and at least oneof the plurality of mounting platforms does not include an aperture fora fastener.